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A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to join the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) in a critical executive role. This organisation is committed to ensuring racing is safe, fair, and conducted with integrity while upholding high standards of animal welfare and fostering public confidence through rigorous, independent oversight. Established under the Racing Industry Act 2020, they have a national presence working across the three racing codes. Their race day teams attend nearly 1000 race meetings across 59 tracks each year. As a member of the executive team, this role demands strong strategy and leadership skills, combined with responsibility for a critical legal function. It offers the opportunity to engage a diverse range of stakeholders during a period of change for the racing industry.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Executive Manager – Legal, will be the Chief Legal Advisor to the RIB providing strategic guidance and oversight of the organisation’s legal matters. There is a real opportunity here for the incoming person to make the role their own – there will be plenty of variety, with the ability to work on key interest areas while getting support to deliver both internally and externally.

The wider team at the RIB is deeply committed to their mission and the significance of their work. They seek someone who shares their strong sense of fairness, integrity, and dedication to best-practice regulation. This person will work closely with the CEO and Board of this sporting administration body as well as external legal advisors, to ensure the RIB operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, while consistently upholding high ethical and animal welfare standards. Work will include but not be limited to:

• Enforcement – oversee legal components of investigations, disputes, and enforcement actions, ensuring compliance with racing rules and standards. While the level of direct involvement in prosecuting licensed persons for rule breaches will depend on the successful applicant’s background and interests.
• Regulatory Oversight and Advocacy – Consult with and advise racing code bodies on best practice regulatory frameworks while advocating for robust and effective policies, rules, and procedures governing racing activities.
• Internal Legal Support – Implement and integrate legal processes and systems within the RIB while providing strategic advice on a wide range of legal matters affecting its operations.
• Contract Management – Review, draft, and manage a variety of contracts and agreements while assisting with negotiations to protect the organisation’s interests and ensure clarity and compliance.
• Corporate Governance and Risk Management – Support the CEO and Board in upholding strong governance practices, including facilitating Board processes and documentation, while overseeing risk management frameworks to safeguard organisational integrity.
• Stakeholder Engagement – act as a key liaison on legal and compliance management.
• Dispute Resolution and Litigation Management – Oversee and manage legal disputes, litigation, and risk mitigation strategies to protect the organisation’s interests and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Executive Leadership – Support the CEO in driving the organisation’s vision and strategy, ensuring effective leadership and strategic execution.

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• 7+ years’ legal experience – this could be in the private sector or in government
• Admitted to the Bar in New Zealand
• An interest in sports and awareness of racing will be important, but you do not need to have experience in this space
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with commercial contracts and negotiation – you will need to operate with a commercial mindset
• Litigation management and/or investigations experience. Prosecutions experience will be advantageous but not essential as you will be able to utilise external support
• Governance experience or a genuine interest in it is important
• You must be able to provide robust and practical legal advice and support to achieve objectives and strategic activities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Flexible, solutions focused and reliable with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise

Apply Now | Tono ināianei

The Racing Integrity Board has exclusively partnered with Robert Walters and Apryl Burgess is managing the recruitment of this position. Applications close on 10 March 2025 at 9am.

If you would like to join an organisation that strives for excellence and makes a meaningful contribution to the sporting sector, apply now. For a copy of the position description and/or a confidential discussion, please contact Apryl on +64 27 816 9899 or email apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact the above Consultant.